For Graphics Activity Three, we will work with online image editors, an alternative to the robust, stand-alone, desktop image editor applications that you have used for GA1 and GA2 (such as Photoshop, Fireworks, and GIMP). Online image editors that let you edit photos in the Web browser have come a long way in the last few years. They often offer editing tools that go beyond simple rotation, resizing and cropping, and now move into more sophisticated territory. We will do a feature comparison of two of these online image editors by 1) studying the online sites. and 2) using the tools to edit a photo.
Part One: Edit Photos
1. Select two online image editors to use for this activity from those listed below (if there is another one not listed that you wish to use instead, contact the instructor for permission). Choose an editor you have not used before!You may need to open a free account to use the editor; normally that's OK. Also, if the editor requires you to save to a site (e.g., to Picasa, Flickr, Facebook, Twitter), you may need to open a free account there as well.
2. Select a photo that you created with your digital camera, or that you acquired from a Creative Commons site (see GA 2 for sources). [http://search.creativecommons.org]
3. Using the same photo, edit the photo using each editor. Publish the edited photo (and the original if possible) to a site, or, if you can download the edited photo, post it on your wiki ga3 page.
4. Provide a link to your two edited images if necessary. Be sure that they are accessible by all (even without an account).
Part Two: Discussion
Conduct a feature comparison of the two editors. You should A. list features in a chart (see below), and B. discuss them in a narrative.
For example, you might look at some of the following: 1. Tool selection (choices of tools)
2. Interface (quality; for example, is it intuitive?)
3. Speed (of previews, for example)
4. Export (save) capabilities
5. Flash or HTML based
6. Maximum file size of uploaded photo
7. Maximum resolution of uploaded photo
8. Cost, if any (some have Pro or Premium versions)
9. Layers (permitted?)
10. Effects
11. Killer feature
Here is how you might set up your list (and then add your narrative discussion):
criteria
(image editor one)
(image editor two)
Tool selection
Interface
Speed
Export
Flash/HTML
Max. file size
Max. resolution
Cost
Layers
Effects
Killer feature
In your discussion, you might mention the similarities and differences between the two editors. (Also, you might compare it with an online image editor you are already be familiar with)
Conclude your discussion with a statement of your thoughts about the editors, including the possibilities for serious use in your employment setting and/or elsewhere. In other words, what can you do with this information?
In addition to these sites, here is another published list of "photo editing sites that not only allow the photo to be re-sized and edited, but also add effect": http://www.techlearning.com/Default.aspx?tabid=67&EntryId=3044
(just click through the advertising page if necessary)
Note that some of these tools are just glitzy effects editors; others are serious photo editors. Explore! And remember to focus on how you could use such a tool in your setting.
(Hey! Would you like to look at some free mobile apps for photo editing instead? That's OK! Just let me know what two tools you are thinking about including.)
Create a new wiki page entitled "ga3" and post this activity there. Be thorough. Let me know when it is complete! Due by midnight on Monday, August 31.
Online image editors that let you edit photos in the Web browser have come a long way in the last few years. They often offer editing tools that go beyond simple rotation, resizing and cropping, and now move into more sophisticated territory.
We will do a feature comparison of two of these online image editors by
1) studying the online sites. and
2) using the tools to edit a photo.
Part One: Edit Photos
1. Select two online image editors to use for this activity from those listed below (if there is another one not listed that you wish to use instead, contact the instructor for permission). Choose an editor you have not used before! You may need to open a free account to use the editor; normally that's OK. Also, if the editor requires you to save to a site (e.g., to Picasa, Flickr, Facebook, Twitter), you may need to open a free account there as well.
2. Select a photo that you created with your digital camera, or that you acquired from a Creative Commons site (see GA 2 for sources). [http://search.creativecommons.org]
3. Using the same photo, edit the photo using each editor. Publish the edited photo (and the original if possible) to a site, or, if you can download the edited photo, post it on your wiki ga3 page.
4. Provide a link to your two edited images if necessary. Be sure that they are accessible by all (even without an account).
Part Two: Discussion
Conduct a feature comparison of the two editors. You should
A. list features in a chart (see below), and
B. discuss them in a narrative.
For example, you might look at some of the following:
1. Tool selection (choices of tools)
2. Interface (quality; for example, is it intuitive?)
3. Speed (of previews, for example)
4. Export (save) capabilities
5. Flash or HTML based
6. Maximum file size of uploaded photo
7. Maximum resolution of uploaded photo
8. Cost, if any (some have Pro or Premium versions)
9. Layers (permitted?)
10. Effects
11. Killer feature
Here is how you might set up your list (and then add your narrative discussion):
In your discussion, you might mention the similarities and differences between the two editors. (Also, you might compare it with an online image editor you are already be familiar with)
Conclude your discussion with a statement of your thoughts about the editors, including the possibilities for serious use in your employment setting and/or elsewhere. In other words, what can you do with this information?
-------- Online Image Editors ----------
http://www.photoshop.com/tools
http://fotoflexer.com/
http://www.lunapic.com/editor/
http://www.phixr.com/
http://photobucket.com/
http://www.picmagick.com/
http://www.picture2life.com/
http://pixenate.com/
http://www.pixlr.com/app/
http://www.sumopaint.com/app/
In addition to these sites, here is another published list of "photo editing sites that not only allow the photo to be re-sized and edited, but also add effect":
http://www.techlearning.com/Default.aspx?tabid=67&EntryId=3044
(just click through the advertising page if necessary)
Note that some of these tools are just glitzy effects editors; others are serious photo editors. Explore! And remember to focus on how you could use such a tool in your setting.
(Hey! Would you like to look at some free mobile apps for photo editing instead? That's OK! Just let me know what two tools you are thinking about including.)
Create a new wiki page entitled "ga3" and post this activity there. Be thorough. Let me know when it is complete!
Due by midnight on Monday, August 31.
Here are some examples:
Example One
Example Two